Essential Guiding is determined to help guides of all descriptions achieve their potential. Through this the individual, the business, the park, region and the country will benefit as guests leave fulfilled and inspired and we all know what that ultimately translates into. Give us a shout to see how we can add value!

I had last visited Namibia and Etosha more than 15 years ago with my now wife and her family, learning about the rich geology and history of Namibia and Etosha. And so it was I found myself heading north with great excitement from Windhoek and passing through towns with such romantic, historic and interesting names such as Okahandja, Otjiwarongo, Otavi …

One thing we know for sure that the only way to really learn animal behaviour with regards big game, is on foot. With ALL your senses tuned in to the environment, more information is being saved to memory than would be if sitting comfortably in a vehicle – FACT! One afternoon not far from our Kirawira base, we had a …

Contact/Book Us

Testimonials

Annick Mitchell – Special Groups

“Essential Guiding spent two weeks training guides in our properties in the Selous and Western Serengeti. Ahead of their arrival, Alastair and Gavin took the time to understand our product, the challenges that we faced and what we wanted to achieve. The training was excellent. Using a holistic approach they covered techniques that included awareness, communication and story-telling on game-drives and boat cruises as well as safely, pace and decision making on bush walks. They shared a huge amount of knowledge, and their dedication to guiding was an inspiration to our guides who continue to make every effort to implement what they learnt. The positive feed-back received from our clients has been very encouraging and we are now looking forward to further training so that our guides can continue to move up to the next level.”

“Essential Guiding spent two weeks training guides in our properties in the Selous and Western Serengeti. Ahead of their arrival, Alastair and Gavin took the time to understand our product, the challenges that we faced and what we wanted to achieve. The training was excellent. Using a holistic approach they covered techniques that included awareness, communication and story-telling on game-drives and boat cruises as well as safely, pace and decision making on bush walks. They shared a huge amount of knowledge, and their dedication to guiding was an inspiration to our guides who continue to make every effort to implement what they learnt. The positive feed-back received from our clients has been very encouraging and we are now looking forward to further training so that our guides can continue to move up to the next level.” Serena Hotels - Selous Luxury Camp, Mivumo River Lodge, Kirawira Tented Camp | Tanzania

http://essentialguiding.com/testimonials/350/

Graham Kennedy – General Manager

"Alastair's training was inspirational and it re-energised our whole guiding team. We saw an immediate result from our guest feedback where they commented on how amazing the passion and commitment was within our guides."

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve | South Africa

2012-07-31T19:19:29+00:00

"Alastair's training was inspirational and it re-energised our whole guiding team. We saw an immediate result from our guest feedback where they commented on how amazing the passion and commitment was within our guides." Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve | South Africa

http://essentialguiding.com/testimonials/523/

Peter Sawyer – Manager

"Gavin was able to establish a rapport with our team of guides while still being able to achieve the objectives of challenging the guides comfort zones and getting them to re-evaluate the way they manage our guests experiences and expectations. Reinforcement after any form of training is critical and our guides have taken this upon themselves to ensure that standards are maintained. This in itself gives me the reassurance that both the execution and content of the training conducted by Essential Guiding was a success."

Onguma Private Game Reserve | Namibia

2013-04-04T19:27:48+00:00

"Gavin was able to establish a rapport with our team of guides while still being able to achieve the objectives of challenging the guides comfort zones and getting them to re-evaluate the way they manage our guests experiences and expectations. Reinforcement after any form of training is critical and our guides have taken this upon themselves to ensure that standards are maintained. This in itself gives me the reassurance that both the execution and content of the training conducted by Essential Guiding was a success." Onguma Private Game Reserve | Namibia

http://essentialguiding.com/testimonials/525/

Graeme Mann: General Manager

Kwandwe featured well in the 2015 Safari Awards, especially with 1st place for best guiding team! No doubt that your input has helped considerably in this department. Thank you!

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve | Eastern Cape | South Africa

2015-11-29T17:04:18+00:00

Kwandwe featured well in the 2015 Safari Awards, especially with 1st place for best guiding team! No doubt that your input has helped considerably in this department. Thank you! Kwandwe Private Game Reserve | Eastern Cape | South Africa